YouTube Thursday

It's been quite a crazy couple of weeks between my niece graduating, my other half's birthday last week, and our anniversary this week.  And I didn't even really post pictures--unless you watch my Twitter feed at the side of the page, or follow me on Instagram.   I know, I know...bad blogger.  In any case, with all of the craziness I'm trying to remember to count it all joy, which leads me to today's video:

Joy by For King and Country




P.S.  Happy #NationalSmileDay

Congratulations Cutie Pie!

It's hard to believe that today is the day you're leaving high school and starting the next step of your life--college.  I still remember hanging out at amusement parks when you were younger,

going to chorus concerts,

cheering you on in robotics,

taking trips with you,

and even having our girl's nights.

While we haven't been able to get together quite as often the last few years due to distance,  I still love that we can pick up right where we left off and be our goofy selves together.  

I am very proud of the young lady you've become and can't wait to find out what you're going to do next for others.  

Kind.  Caring.  Compassionate.  Intelligent.  Beautiful.  

These are the words that come to mind when I think about you.  Congratulations on finally getting out of school and graduating so you can continue to pursue your dreams.  I love you!

You Tube Thursday

It's been twelve years and now the end is finally here.  My niece is graduating from high school tomorrow and I can barely believe it.  I've watched her from the time she was born blossom into the young lady she is now.  I can't believe it's time for her to start the next step in this adventure called life. 

I had so many things I wanted to do for her before we reached this point, but life has a way of sneaking up and past you.  All I can say is enjoy it while you can because it is brief. 

Today, I realized that the Sidewalk Prophets have already mentioned all of the things I want for her in their song "The Words I Would Say." 

So, Cutie Pie--this one's for you!  I'm very proud of all you have accomplished so far in your life and can't wait to see what's to come!  Congratulations!!  You finally made it!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms who have two-legged and four-legged children!  

I hope your day is filled with rest and relaxation!

Love Inspired Book Tour

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books for free from the publisher through a book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

What exactly is Love Inspired?  Here's the word directly from the publisher:

Feel comforted and at peace when you read these uplifting romances of faith, forgiveness and hope from Love Inspired. There are 12 new books each month! 6 from Love Inspired for those who love contemporary romance and 6 from Love Inspired Suspense who like some danger with their romance stories.


Dynamic Uno here:  While very saddened to hear that the LitFUSE Publicity Group is no longer in business, I was happy to hear that the publisher, Harlequin, decided to continue with their Love Inspired book tour.

Yes, Harlequin publishes books with a Christian slant.  The tag line is "Heartwarming Inspirational Romance" and they do not contain all of the other "stuff" that the Harlequin name is know for in their books.  I've spoken with several people this past month who were surprised to see me reading a Harlequin romance and when I started telling them about the books, they were immediately impressed. (Yay!!)

Enough about me though-you're here to hear about the books!  I was hoping to have read all of them before the tour, but alas time was not on my side.  I was able to read two of them, even though I only had to read one.  Hopefully I'll be able to read the others within the next few weeks.

Primary Suspect 

by Laura Scott

Framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend---and then attacked at the crime scene---fire investigator Mitch Callahan turns to ER nurse Dana Petrie for help. As they fight for their lives, can she be convinced of his innocence---and in his promise of love?

Primary Suspect by Laura Scott (Love Inspired Suspense)
I have to admit that I hate finding out that the book I'm getting ready to read is part of series that I haven't read yet.  However, that was not a problem with this story.  The action started on page one with a murder scene being discovered with several murder attempts made and a couple on the run.  The action continued throughout the story and the whole time I kept questioning why all of this was happening to the characters, just like they were.  I enjoyed reading this fast-paced thriller and now want to read the other books in the series while waiting for the next one.

Bound by Duty 

by Valerie Hansen

When Sgt. Linc Colson is assigned to monitor Zoe Sullivan and determine if she's secretly aiding her fugitive serial killer brother, his instincts tell him she's not in league with the criminal---she's in danger. It's up to him and his K-9 partner, Star, to keep the pretty single mom alive.

Bound by Duty by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Suspense)
I was immediately drawn in to this story since the main character was being followed by Military Police surveillance because of the murders her brother committed.  Talk about drama from the first page!  This story kept me guessing throughout because the events kept getting crazier and crazier--I can only imagine how helpless the characters felt.  I  also enjoyed reading as the sparks started flying (in a good way) between Linc and Zoe.  Happy endings are my favorite!  If the other books in the series are as good as this one, then I'll definitely keep reading them!

The Wedding Quilt Bride 

by Marta Perry

Widowed single mom Rebecca Mast returns to her Amish community hoping to open a quilt shop. She accepts carpenter Daniel King's offer of assistance---but she isn't prepared for the bond he forms with her son. Will getting closer expose her secret---or reveal the love she has in her heart for her long-ago friend?

The Wedding Quilt Bride by Marta Perry (Love Inspired)
Yes, I know...another book about the Amish.  I'm hoping to get to this one in the next few weeks because it looks really good.  If you've read it, let me know what you thought!

The Rancher's Secret Child 

by Brenda Minton

Marcus Palermo's simple life gets complicated when he meets the son he never knew he had---and his beautiful guardian. Lissa Hart thought she'd only stick around long enough to aid Marcus in becoming a dad---but could her happily-ever-after lie with the little boy and the rugged rancher?

The Rancher's Secret Child by Brenda Minton (Love Inspired)
If you've been with me for any length of time, you know that I love me some cowboys--whether fictional or real. This one is another one I'm hoping to get to within the next few weeks.  I can't wait to read about what happens with Marcus and his son.


Since you've stuck with me for this long, let me tell you about the $100 Visa gift card giveaway!

https://gleam.io/gLe4I/love-inspired-blog-tour-sweepstakes

Love Inspired Blog Tour Sweepstakes!
I mean, who couldn't use $100 right now?  (If you don't need it, then you can always donate it to your favorite blogger...am I right?  Bueller...Bueller...)


Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!